The Iron Women of Ukraine: Building the country Back, One Block at a Time

The jury is no longer out on the importance of gender equality in strengthening a society’s growth. For any democratic nation to succeed, there is an increased need for both men and women to contribute equally.

Turn your view towards Ukraine to understand the true importance of both genders coming together for the betterment of the nation. The country has been faced with tough circumstances and is facing immense hardships at the hand of Russia. Yet, the nation is seeing both men and women coming out in equal measure to fight for their nation.

Women have especially played a crucial role in maintaining normalcy and working with hope and optimism. Women in Ukraine are creating jobs, aiding in financial growth and also serving as dedicated professionals.

The current edition of GWL magazine salutes the women leaders of Ukraine, who are doing their best even when faced with the most challenging external circumstances.

On the cover we have Alona Lebedieva, the Founder of Aurum Group, a diversified Ukrainian company active in railcar manufacturing, industrial pump production, and various sectors including agriculture and real estate. With over 20 years of experience, she has become a pioneering figure in Ukraine's business landscape. Her career began in railcar manufacturing, where she successfully created a powerful fleet of freight railcars. Alona’s leadership is characterized by strategic foresight, resilience, and a commitment to fostering innovation and talent. Despite challenges, including wartime conditions and legal obstacles, she continues to drive growth and safeguard Ukrainian industries.

In this magazine edition we also cover the story of Svitlana Romanko, Founder, Razom We Stand. Svitlana has a Specialist degree from Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University and a PhD in Environmental Law from the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine. She founded Razom We Stand and served as Campaign Coordinator for Stand with Ukraine. Previously, she was the Eastern Europe Managing Director at 350.org and Associate Professor of Environmental Law at her alma mater.

Olena Shtohryn, Founder and Managing Partner, Dictio is another prolific woman leader from Ukraine building towards the nation’s growth. Olena is a skilled lawyer, mediator, and legal advisor with 17 years of expertise in investment, construction, and real estate law. As one of the top real estate and construction specialists in Ukraine, she has won multiple awards, such as the Lexology Client Choice Award, the IBUILD Legal Company of the Year Award in 2022 and 2023. She actively supports sustainable development and international cooperation by helping to rebuild Ukraine's infrastructure and energy sectors.

These women are testament to the fighting spirit that women leaders are bringing to the Ukrainian business world.

Read more about them in the current edition of GWL magazine.